Around Utah

Sarah Cutler

January 1, 2013

State of Utah Launches First Public Smart Schools
Salt Lake City - Gov. Gary R. Herbert, along with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), State Superintendent Martell Menlove, principals from North Sevier High School and Gunnison Valley Elementary, and iSchool Campus executives, launched two of the first public Smart Schools in Utah.

The Smart School Technology Program encourages the deployment of whole-school technology in Utah’s public schools. The technology program will help the students develop the critical digital and technology skills needed to compete and thrive in a global, digitally driven economy.

Based on SB 248, the Smart School Technology Program provides the following deployment features in each school: wireless infrastructure, flat screen TVs with device mirroring technology, MacBook computers in every classroom, an Apple iPad for every student and teacher, internet security, software, and professional development for teachers, administrators and school technology offices.

Of the 40 schools that applied, three were selected by GOED: North Sevier High School, Gunnison Valley Elementary and Dixon Middle School in Provo.

“The Smart School deployment has generated enormous enthusiasm among teachers, parents and students in these two rural communities,” says Jill Porter, principal at North Sevier High School. “Our students will be presented with a world of possibilities in learning and gaining real-life thinking and problem solving skills that will better prepare them for the next step towards a productive future.”

The Smart School Technology Program also includes professional development and ongoing support for teachers, robust wireless infrastructure, safe and secure web filtering so students can work with their devices at home, and proprietary software to connect students and teachers.

Utah Valley
Lehi - TSYS signed an agreement to acquire PROPAY, a Lehi-based company that provides simple, secure payment solutions for organizations ranging from small, home-based entrepreneurs to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

Orem - ARIBEX was acquired by the KaVo Group, an affiliation of leading global dental equipment brands, effective immediately. The KaVo Group consists of brands such as KaVo, Gendex, DEXIS, I CAT, Instrumentarium, SOREDEX, Pelton & Crane and Marus.

Lindon - ACCESSDATA GROUP partnered with Commonwealth Legal, a Canadian provider of evidence-management solutions with a focus on e-discovery and litigation support. Commonwealth Legal will provide its clients with AccessData’s Summation 4.1.

Provo - QUALTRICS plans to expand its existing operations in Provo, creating approximately 1,080 new jobs.

Lehi - OUTLETS AT TRAVERSE MOUNTAIN opened Phase 1 with more than 40 stores across 225,000 square feet. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the retail outlet to celebrate.

Orem - COMPLETESPEECH acquired its first office suite and transitioned its headquarters after leasing space in various offices in Utah and Salt Lake counties over the past four years.

Lindon - PROFIRE ENERGY recently released its 1300 flare ignition system. The system has already been purchased or installed by major exploration and production companies, fabricators, and instrumentation and electrical companies.
In addition, CAMERON, a supplier of equipment and services to energy and chemistry industries, made an agreement with Profire Energy to become a non-exclusive authorized distributor of Profire Energy’s combustion technologies.

Spanish Fork - COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION opened a new location at 273 E. 1000 North in Spanish Fork.

Lehi - THANKSGIVING POINT and STAMPIN’ UP held a grand opening for Brick Canvas. The site will house BIKRAM YOGA; LYCEUM FITNESS AND NUTRiTION STUDIO; a full-service spa, hair and nail salon; a café and events space.
Provo - ANCESTRY.COM agreed to sell a controlling stake in the Provo-based genealogy website to a group led by European private equity firm Permira Funds. The cash deal was valued at $1.6 billion.

Provo - ORABRUSH, INC. gained momentum in Canada, with three leading retailers now carrying the company’s tongue cleaner. First available in Canada in September 2010, Orabrush is now available at more than 75 London Drugs locations, 300 Walmart Canada stores and more than 760 Shoppers Drug Mart stores across the country.

Provo - VIVINT SOLAR expanded into southern California and is offering solar energy services to residents of Fresno and Bakersfield.